Modesto Police Department News Release

Investigation Continues into Fatal Shooting

NEWS RELEASE

Release Date: January 13, 2014

Modesto Police Department

Media Relations Unit

Office of the Chief of Police

600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354

Author: Heather Graves

Modesto, CA- Modesto Police homicide and gang investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses on a fatal shooting.Detectives were able to identify a suspect involved in the gang-related fatal shooting of 21-year-old David Cruz of Modesto.

On Saturday, January 11, 2014, at about 10:52 P.M., Modesto Police officers were called to a report of a shooting at El Paso Av and Santa Fe St, in southwest Modesto.When officers arrived, they located Cruz down in the roadway with several gunshot wounds. Cruz was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Detectives learned Cruz and the suspect were involved in what appears to be a gang confrontation with several other subjects.Cruz was shot by one of the subjects and everyone left the area.

During the investigation, Detectives were able to identify 31-year-old Adam Botello of Keyes as the suspect with Cruz when they were involved in the confrontation.Botello is not believed to be the one who shot Cruz, but was arrested under the felony murder rule, which holds liable anyone participating in a felony during which someone is killed.He was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail for murder and participating in a criminal street gang.

Homicide and gang investigators will continue to follow-up on leads, process the evidence collected from the crime scene and interview witnesses.

If you have any information regarding this incident please call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can also text information to Crime Stoppers by sending a text message to 274637.Just type “TIP704” along with your message.